Antimicrobial holder for writing implements and the like

ABSTRACT

An antimicrobial device for holding writing implements. The device is generally elongate in shape and comprises a body with a channel contained therein. The channel has a first open end and a second open end. It is critical to the present invention that the body of the invention be made from an antimicrobial material, such as copper or silver or various alloys of the same. Because the body of the device according to the present invention is made from an antimicrobial material, germs and other unhealthy organisms either perish or are prevented from unduly multiplying thereby reducing the spread of unwanted contamination. In a preferred embodiment there is a stricture portion that is a reducer of the inner diameter of the second open end.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to holders of writing implements, and the like, that exhibit an antimicrobial behavior. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hollow pen holder/grip that is made from an antimicrobial material.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Writing implements, such as pens and the like, especially those used in a hospital environment, tend to carry contamination from site to site. Such contamination vectors are known in the medical field as “fomites”. Among the contaminants are skin oils, dirt, and potentially more harmful substances such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and other pathogens. This contamination is then frequently transferred from the pen to another person by the hands of the pen user. Often this results in unwanted bacterial infection in people with reduced resistances.

As a result, there is a need for a writing instrument holder that is at least biostatic in nature, if not antibacterial.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a holder for writing implements.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a holder for writing implements that help prevent unwanted spread of bacterial, fungal, viral or pathogenic contamination.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a holder for writing implements that has an antimicrobial nature.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a holder for writing implements that biostatically or antimicrobially helps prevent unwanted spread of bacterial, fungal or pathogenic contamination.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an antimicrobial writing implement holder that is made from at least one of silver or copper, an alloy of the two, or other materials which exhibits antimicrobial and/or biostatic properties.

The novel features that are considered characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its structure and its operation together with the additional objects and advantages thereof will best be understood from the following description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art or arts. If any other meaning is intended, the specification will specifically state that a special meaning is being applied to a word or phrase. Likewise, the use of the words “function” or “means” in the Description of Preferred Embodiments of the invention is not intended to indicate a desire to invoke the special provision of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, are sought to be invoked to define the invention(s), the claims will specifically state the phrases “means for” or “step for” and a function, without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material, or act in support of the function. Even when the claims recite a “means for” or “step for” performing a function, if they also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means of step, then the intention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, are invoked to define the inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all known or later-developed equivalent structures, materials or acts for performing the claimed function.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the device according to the present invention and a writing instrument.

FIG. 2 shows the device according to the present invention containing a writing implement.

FIG. 3 a view along line 3-3 illustrating a cross sectional view of the device of the present invention containing the writing instrument.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates another alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, the preferred embodiment is shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Referring to the figures, the present invention is a device that holds implements 10, such as a pen or the like. The device is generally elongate in shape and comprises a body 20 with a channel contained therein. The channel has two open ends, a first open end 30 and a second open end 40. It is critical to the present invention that the body 20 of the invention be made from an antimicrobial material, such as copper or silver or various alloys of the same or other antimicrobial materials such as a biocide impregnated plastic. Because the body 20 of the device according to the present invention is made from an antimicrobial material, germs and other unhealthy organisms either perish or are prevented from unduly multiplying thereby reducing the spread of unwanted contamination.

In a preferred embodiment there is a stricture portion 50 that is a reducer of the inner diameter of the second open end 40. That is, at least a small segment of the stricture portion 50 has a smaller inner diameter than the inner diameter of the body channel. Further, this stricture portion 50 may have the same outer diameter as the body 20, however, as illustrated in the figures, the stricture portion 50 may have a different outer diameter, typically smaller, that the body 20.

Various ornamental features may be added to the body, such as writing, logos, figures and the like and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, there may be a variety of outer cross sectional shapes, such as circular, triangular, square and rectangular, and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

In use, an implement 10, such as a pen, is inserted into the channel through the first open end 30 such that the nib of the pen projects through the second open end 40. The stricture portion 50, due to the reduced inner diameter prevents the implement 10 from continuing through the second open end 40, thereby holding the implement firmly inside the body 20. Because the body 20 of the device according to the present invention is made from an antimicrobial material, when a person handles the holder according to the present invention, germs and other unhealthy organisms either perish or are prevented from unduly multiplying thereby reducing the spread of unwanted contamination.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is described above in the Description of Preferred Embodiments. While these descriptions directly describe the above embodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall within the purview of this description are intended to be included therein as well. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventor that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s). The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment and best mode of the invention known to the applicant at the time of filing the application has been presented and is intended for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. An antimicrobial implement holder comprising an elongate body comprising an antimicrobial material that defines a channel therein with first and second open ends at opposite ends of the channel and a stricture portion located near the second open end.
 2. The holder according to claim 1 wherein the stricture portion has a different outer diameter than the body.
 3. The holder according to claim 2 wherein the outer diameter of the stricture portion is less than the outer diameter of the body.
 4. The holder according to claim 2 wherein the outer diameter of the stricture portion is greater than the outer diameter of the body.
 5. The holder according to claim 1 wherein the antimicrobial material is copper.
 6. The holder according to claim 2 wherein the antimicrobial material is copper.
 7. The holder according to claim 3 wherein the antimicrobial material is copper.
 8. The holder according to claim 4 wherein the antimicrobial material is copper.
 9. The holder according to claim 1 wherein the antimicrobial material is silver.
 10. The holder according to claim 2 wherein the antimicrobial material is silver.
 11. The holder according to claim 3 wherein the antimicrobial material is silver.
 12. The holder according to claim 4 wherein the antimicrobial material is silver.
 13. The holder according to claim 1 wherein the antimicrobial material is an alloy of copper and silver or a biocide impregnated plastic.
 14. The holder according to claim 2 wherein the antimicrobial material is an alloy of copper and silver or a biocide impregnated plastic.
 15. The holder according to claim 3 wherein the antimicrobial material is an alloy of copper and silver or a biocide impregnated plastic.
 16. The holder according to claim 4 wherein the antimicrobial material is an alloy of copper and silver or a biocide impregnated plastic. 